David's Hammer

[1911Tuner]

A while back, I began a fairly extensive, semi torture-test on one of Dave Berryhill's wide-spur hammers. Dave contacted me to ask if I'd be willing to hammer on his hammer to see how it holds up under my brand of "casual" use.

Knowing that it was a casting, I was like..."Eh. Okay, David. Impress me."

Well...Ladies and laddies...Color me impressed. The Norinco that I installed the hammer in...along with one of his sears...has passed the 5,000 round mark without issue or fanfare. I didn't perform any hoo-doo/voo-doo on the parts beyond boosting the hammer lightly 3 times to seat the parts.

I broke the rules on this one because I wanted to see how they'd perform as straightforward drop-in parts. To keep this short...They did. Trigger broke at a tick over 5 pounds after installation, with only the slightest hint of creep...but it was a smooth creep. More like a good rollout break. At the end of the 5,000 round phase, the trigger action has changed very little beyond being smoother, and as soon as I can get back to my bud who has the test gauge, I'll have a more definitive number...but I'm wagering that there's no more than 2 ounces difference...if that.

The finish held up well, which suggests that the bluing is deep. Close inspection of the hooks and sear crown reveals no undue wear beyond the normal polishing one would expect after 5,000 cycles.

So...This good-lookin' hammer gets the nod for a light to medium duty pistol. Perfectly suitable for a carry piece that doesn't see more than a thousand or so rounds a year. Will it hold up under hard use and 50,000 rounds? Well...We'll see, I guess...because I fully intend to find out. :D

I'll update every 5,000 rounds. :cool:

[Bud White]

Interesting Keep us informed

[Joni Lynn]

I'll look forward to continued reports on this one!

[Hunter]

Good to go Tuner.

[GaryVS]

Tuner ...

Dave's website says that the wide spur hammer is made from heat treated tool steel?? Which is correct ... cast or tool steel ???

[Dave Berryhill]

Thanks John! I'm glad you like it. I usually cut the hooks square on the milling machine and then polish them before I install them. I find that the hooks are pretty good as-is but .001 or .002 out of square. I'm putting together some kits with that hammer and sear along with a disconnector and pre-adjusted sear spring.

I don't like the term "drop in" because they seldom do. Pin hole locations vary between different pistols, thumb safeties often need refitting and even changing mainspring housings can change the sear spring tension.

Which is correct ... cast or tool steel ???

Both. They are cast with good quality steel with sufficient carbon to accept heat treatment, then they are given proper heat treatment. The manufacturer of this part cares about quality as do I. They are guaranteed and so far I haven't had one returned.

If a wide spur hammer was made from bar stock it would be very expensive due to all the material removal that would be necessary.

[ClarkEMyers]

But is that with Mr. Berryhill's pending super lube? how about with crankcase drippings?